capilloroscopy

Inflammatory myopathy (IM) is a rubric term to describe a heterogeneous group of muscle diseases typified by dermatomyositis and polymyositis. The current classifications are unsatisfactory, but IM associated with other connective tissue diseases (CTDs), such as systemic lupus erythematosus, underlying malignancy and HIV, should also be included. Although uncommon, IM should always be considered in a patient who presents with proximal weakness of gradual onset and has raised serum muscle enzymes. The diagnosis may be obvious if the patient has diagnostic skin signs such as heliotropic rash (peri-orbital discoloration) and Gottron’s lesions (typically on the extensor surfaces of the fingers)...

The diagnostic value of nailfold capillaroscopy was assessed through blind analysis of a continuous series of 307 examinations and a method for quick reading of nailfold capillaroscopy was elaborated with discriminant analysis. The best criteria for predicting the existence of a systemic disease were: major dystrophies (megacapillary, neocapillary and regressive capillary), minor dystrophies and capillary bed abnormalities, especially in patients presenting with vascular disorders of the upper extremities. Capillaroscopic stages and existence of systemic disease were significantly correlated...

The value of capilloroscopy of the perionychium for the diagnosis of infantile brain damage and its psychic late sequealae was studied in 279 six-years-old children. By comparisons carried out within the groups of the organic brain damage criteria with respect to perinatological risks and with psychological parameters it was proved that capillaroscopy show no differential-diagnostic suitability with respects to the presence or absence of an infantile brain damage.